WEDDING FAQCongratulations on your engagement! Now it's time to get down to business.We have put together a list of our most frequently asked questions to help you beginplanning the pony party of your dreams!

1. Why choose us? Dreamland Ponies is dedicated to presenting exceptional, and extraordinary services for every client. We are professionals at planning and providing pony entertainment for special occasions. Our packages are tailored to our individual clients desires, needs and dreams, and our service is second to none. We are meticulous about the preparation and presentation of our ponies, tack, costumes and handlers. We never forget it is called a special occasion for a reason.

2. What is a Pony Party?​A pony party is a party, event or celebration with a real-life pony (or ponies) attending your event!Dreamland Ponies offers majestic ponies for riding, or tiny mini ponies for petting, brushing, hugging and creating wonderful, magical and unforgettable memories.

3. What does a Pony Party include?We provide as many sweet, gentle, fairy tale ponies as you would like to hire, along with wonderful, experienced, friendly and professional handlers. We give hand-led pony rides on your property or location of choice. While the pony ride takes place, we answer questions that the rider may have about the pony, or caring for him, making this an educational experience as well. We will provide rides to your guests until the allotted time is up, there is no limit to the amount of rides your child or guests may have. We always try to make sure everyone gets the same amount of rides to ensure everyone goes home happy. We clean up any mess prior to our departure.

4. Are your ponies safe, especially for children with special needs?​Yes! Our ponies have an unsurpassed safety record, with over 14 years of accident-free parties. Our ponies are all extremely well-trained professionals with wonderful dispositions. They are safe, gentle, friendly and dependable in every environment. They are used to crowds, traffic, and chaotic children’s birthday parties. They sincerely love their jobs, and look forward to each party... They eagerly hop into their horse trailer to meet their new special friends for the day! They are all happy, sweet and very careful around even our youngest and most fragile little customers.

Our ponies can accommodate almost any disability or special need. We have a very long, experienced history providing equine therapy, pony rides and parties for chronically and terminally ill children; including children with cancer, cerebral palsy, down syndrome, autism, ADHD, ODD, hearing impaired, visually impaired and more. Our ponies are comfortable working around wheelchairs, walkers, electrical and medical equipment.

Our staff is competent, friendly, experienced, compassionate and professional. All of our rides are hand-led, and there is always a handler within reach of each rider. If a child looks unsteady in the saddle, we'll ask a parent to walk along with him/her. With prior notice, we can provide additional competent, professional handlers to act as side walkers.

5. How much does a pony party cost? Pony party pricing varies by event location, length of stay, type and theme of event, and the number of ponies hired. Please fill out our reservation form for a full quote.

6. If I have a small yard, can I still have a pony party?Yes! Our ponies are able to give pony rides in front yards, backyards or side yards; up and down driveways, sidewalks, quiet streets, in cul-de-sacs, parking lots or even take them to your nearest local park or church yard. Our ponies have small hooves and walk lightly, leaving little to no hoof prints. If you can walk on your grass without squishing or sinking in your grass, our ponies probably can too (in areas free of soft wet ground and mud). They are very accommodating to every situation we bring them to*.*Please note that ponies cannot give pony rides on slopes, hills or on gravel!

7. What accommodations do you need for parking?We have a couple of different sized trucks and horse trailers ranging between 32 to 50 feet long (total). We ask that you please leave approximately 50 feet of parking space (about three car lengths) right up front of your party location by blocking it off ahead of time.

Please keep in mind that we cannot parallel park, or park on steep hills. If you think there will be any challenges with parking, please let us know ahead of time so we can make different parking arrangements!

8. Can the pony come inside?Ha ha, yes...! Our ponies can come inside! Several of our party ponies are also licensed therapy ponies, that can come inside your home or building, if you would like! Our “indoor” ponies have been inside many homes, princess bedrooms, commercial buildings, restaurants, hospitals, nursing homes, tv and radio studios, and even in helicopters! They are used to walking up and down stairs and riding in elevators. They are almost completely potty trained, and are very dependable, calm, cool and collected; however, bringing ponies inside is at your own risk for accidental ‘presets’ or breakages. *If you would like a pony to come inside your home, please let us know in advance (at time of booking), so we make sure to bring one of our special "indoor" ponies!

10. Are your ponies clean? ​Our beautiful ponies are meticulously groomed before each party or event, and show up sparkling clean. We voluntarily comply with USDA Federal requirements and standards for animal health, care and safety. Our ponies are vaccinated, dewormed and receive the highest quality veterinary, feet and dental care. Each one of our ponies are a treasured member of our family… They are all happy, healthy, very loved, spoiled, and it shows.​11. Do you clean up after the ponies if they have an "accident"? ​Our ponies are generally potty trained and prefer to “go” in their horse trailer, however sometimes accidents can happen… No worries, we clean up *immediately* after our ponies. We come fully prepared with equipment and a container for removal, leaving your location in as pristine condition as it was when we arrived.

12. Are there any health risks with ponies? ​All animals carry bacteria (good and bad) – including us! But there is no reason to be overly concerned about any potential health risks from horses or ponies, as long as suitable precautions and hygiene rules are observed. These include washing, and/or sanitizing, your hands after touching the ponies, keeping food and drinks away from ponies, and preventing children from putting their hands or objects (such as pacifiers or sippy-cups) in their mouths while interacting with the ponies. Unlike petting zoo animals, horses and ponies do not transmit diseases to humans such as e. coli, salmonella or botulism. So relax, enjoy and take normal care and hand washing precautions.

12. What are the benefits of Two (or more) ponies?Ponies are herd animals and used to living in a group. They rely on each other like family, and like to go together to keep each other company. The additional benefits of two or more ponies include:

• The birthday boy or girl can ride more often, while still sharing with the other children.• Children enjoy riding in pairs, rather than one at a time.• Timid children afraid to ride by themselves, find courage by riding next to their friend • Double the Rides - Twice the Fun!• They will get double, triple or more rides, in half the time, with two, three or more ponies.• The thrill and enjoyment of riding again and again is more fun and exciting.• The children can choose their favorite, between the ponies • We can accommodate different size children, with small, medium and large ponies.

13. Can we take pictures? ​Of course! Please feel free to take as many pictures as you would like. If you have any pictures that you would like to share with us, please send us a copy and we might even post them here on our website!

14. Can children feed your ponies a treat? ​In our experience, time with ponies is actually much more pleasant with the children interacting and petting them, leaving the feeding to the professional handlers... However, if you would still like the children to feed the ponies, they can do so, but for safety practices we do not allow hand feeding. They are allowed to feed the ponies baby carrots or sliced apples, and can do so only at the very end of the party. (Please do not bring out any carrots or apple slices before the last 5-10 minutes of your party, to avoid children and uninformed guests from handing them out.) When it is time for feeding, please have children stand quietly in a single file line and be closely supervised by a parent or adult. One child at a time can feed the ponies by placing their treat on the ground in front of the pony.

15. We fertilize our grass. Is this a concern? ​Yes... Please do not schedule a party until at least 7-10 days after your yard has been fertilized or treated with any kind of chemicals or insecticides. The ponies love to eat grass, and we do not want them to get sick from any chemicals!

16. What happens if it rains? ​We come rain or shine, our ponies don’t mind! Our staff and ponies are used to Seattle weather and rain, and are prepared for all types of weather. Most children don’t mind rain, and hardly even notice it because they are so ecstatic to see and ride a pony! If it is raining, we ask that you please have children dress appropriately with rain boots and rain jackets, and provide a dry place for them while they are waiting in line to ride. If it is thundering and lightning, and time allows, we will try to wait it out. If the weather is too bad, we will reschedule your party for another day and apply your deposit, as long as party is made within 60 days of original party or event date.

17. We have a dog, will he bother the ponies? ​Our ponies are used to being around dogs, however most dogs do not know what a pony is and have never seen one. For your children, guests and our ponies’ safety, we ask that you please keep all dogs kept inside, preferably in a kennel or bedroom where guests cannot accidentally let them out. Please keep them put away for the entire duration of the event. (Please also ask your neighbors, in advance, to do the same.) Excited dogs that bark, charge the pony, nip the pony's heels, chase, etc. are a SERIOUS safety hazard for children and ponies. We love and adore our ponies and your children, and want to keep everyone safe, at all costs. If there is a loose dog anywhere in the area, pony rides will be stopped until the dog or animal is put away.

18. Do you have any age restrictions? ​We do not have any age restrictions, and have done hundreds of pony parties for clients ages 1 through 100! We have bigger ponies for riding, and tiny miniature horses for people of all ages to pet, brush, hug, interact and have their photo taken with them. (We have done several “surprise” 60th birthday parties with our ponies and unicorns for the young at heart!)

For children 4 years old and younger, we ask that a parent or adult please walk next to them. We have a special method of doing rides, where we hold onto the child the entire time they are on the pony, so even the tiniest baby can sit on our super gentle ponies for a photo, or pony ride (Our youngest rider was only 6 days old!).

19. Is there a weight limit for pony rides? ​Yes, in order to protect our pony’s health and well-being, our small riding ponies have a weight limit of 25lbs, and our bigger riding ponies have a weight limit of 65lbs. (Exceeding these weight limits can seriously injure or hurt a pony.) Our ponies are part of our family, that we treat with love, kindness, respect and compassion. In return, they are happy, sweet ponies that love people and their jobs.

*For children (and children at heart) exceeding the weight limit, they are still able to pet, interact, have their photo taken with and (depending on age and ability) even lead our gentle ponies and miniature horses around.

20. Are you insured?Yes, we are fully licensed and insured. We carry a commercial liability policy with a reputable insurance agency that specializes in pony rides. We have been with them for more than 14 years. Dreamland Ponies has an unsurpassed safety record, with zero accidents or occurrences in our entire history of being in business.

If necessary, our clients may become additionally insured for the day of their event. Certificates naming you or your organization as an additional insured are $150 per additional named insured. This fee is charged directly by the insurance company to cover this service. No fee waivers are available.

22. Do you have Pony Party rules? We try to maintain as safe of an environment as possible for your guests and our ponies. Our ponies are very well trained, patient, tolerant, and are used to a lot of noise, chaos, kids and excitement…. but we have a few rules to keep everyone safe, and our ponies happy…. Our goal is to provide every guest with the best possible experience as they ride our ponies – at times this may take all of our attention. We expect that, as hosts, you will assist us in our mission. Adults are expected to be interactive at our parties and provide adequate supervision of children AT ALL TIMES.

In addition to:* Suitable foot wear for children’s pony parties is essential – little toes are very precious! (No bare-feet allowed near ponies please!)* Please keep children at least 15-20 feet away from our ponies when we are unloading them out of our horse trailer, and getting them ready for your pony party or event.* Please do not let children stand or walk directly behind our ponies.* Please keep all ball play, ride on toys, balloons and umbrellas in an area away from the ponies.* While ponies are giving rides, please refrain children from jumping on trampolines close by.* Please tell parents and children do not run up to ponies, and do not give “high fives” to the kids while they are riding!* Children need to hold onto the saddle horn with both hands, at all times while riding* Children are never allowed to hit or kick our ponies.* Children 4 and under need a parent to walk next to, and hold onto them while riding, and toddlers MUST be held by the hand while near or interacting with our ponies.

23. Can I hire you for my school, community, or business event?​While the majority of our business is private parties, we would love for you to consider us for your school events, weddings, anniversaries, business promotions, grand openings, holiday events, and fundraisers. Our ponies have worked with crowds as small as 50, and at events and fairs with more than 90,000 people attending... No matter how small or large, we can make any event special!

​We love doing fairs, fundraisers and helping our community. We do not collect money for individual rides. We charge you a flat rate or hourly basis for our services. This gives you the opportunity to charge how you like for the rides. Pony rides are a fabulous attraction, bringing in a lot of people to help you raise money for your cause.

​In addition to providing ponies for parties, our ponies are also available for hire for: ​

9. Do you offer onsite parties? Can we come to your farm?We are a mobile pony party company and bring our ponies to your location or venue of your choice. We do not have a commercial facility for parties.

​21. Where do you travel to? We bring our wonderful party ponies to your home or venue of choice... Serving most of Western Washington including:

9. How do I book a party?For reservation inquiries or to Book a party, please click here, or on any "Reserve Now" button found on every page of our website. Fill out the form and click submit. When we receive your information, we will contact you through email to let you know if that date and time is available and send you a quote. A deposit is required to confirm all pony party event reservations. The balance is due in full on or before the day of your event. If you submit your form on a Friday, Saturday or Sunday we may be working, and will get back with you in 24-48 hours with a quote and availability. Thank you!

9. How far in advance do I need to book?Parties can be booked at any time, up to one year in advance. However, the further in advance you book the more likely it is that you will get the date you want, especially in the summer months. Dates and reservations are only confirmed once the deposit had been paid.

​23. How do I pay for my party? A deposit will need to be made in order to confirm all pony party event reservations. The balance is due in full on or before the day of your event. Please pay before the end of your event, and do not make us come look for you to collect payment. We accept cash, credit cards, money orders or cashier’s checks. We do not accept personal checks.

24. What about tips and gratuity? Gratuity is always left to the discretion of our clients. We strive to provide professional, top quality service and memories that will last a lifetime. If you feel our staff went above your expectations, tips are appreciated, but never expected. Our business survives and grows from your referrals and feedback. Thank you for allowing us to be part of your celebration.

Didn't find your question here?​Please tell us what would you like to know!